Argosy Gallery

Really nice! Affordable cooks outside, and really cozy hidden book shelves in the basement in the back, people inside are kind and it is a quiet quaint oasis in midtown!

Feels like I'm perusing a bookstore in the UK, in all the best ways. Incredible amount of content. Incredibly fair pricing. My only complaint is that I have to scroll the website to request content that is not on the main shelves. The greatest pleasure of browsing shelves is discovering books you weren't necessarily looking for, which is greatly aided by being able to open and leaf through the pages. I spent $1000 in the store and would have spent more if I had open access to all the tomes in house.

A lot of old books and variety of books such as medicine, cooking, non-fiction and fiction books. Some stuff are quite expensive but it's understandable since they sell old books.

Thrilled to have found a first English edition of my favorite novel and plenty of other treasures! A joy to look around at all of the prints and maps and books in general!

I finally decide to stop and look around the $3 art books table that Argosy usually has out front of the store and was happily surprised that there were plenty of different disciplines and types of books to choose from. I found a few and headed inside, where they have far more vintage books and a large collection of vintage prints from magazines, broadway, and other stuff. It was a lovely shop with a very sweet owner.

The kind of place one comes to in search of the perfect bibliophilic gift for either themselves or someone important to them, this bookstore is beautiful! It doesn't have a particularly diverse selection (one bookshelf each dedicated to books on India and Africa, for example; and books by non-Western authors are scattered in some of the other subject-specific sections), but has a VAST collection of books from the western world, a lot of them, first editions.

The store also has prints, autographs and records on sale. I found an old edition of a favorite childhood book, and a first edition of a contemporary classic. Eyed so many others with great longing! :) It's a perfect oasis of calm amidst midtown bustle. Almost a museum. Definitely worth a visit!

A wonderful book store on your way to Central Park. This is EXACTLY the kind of place I imagine when someone says "NYC bookstore." Old creaky wood floorboards, an elevator seemingly made for a single person but inexplicably can support the weight of at least five, bookshelves filled to the brim with historic, beautiful, restored books, and a staff dedicated to the preservation of knowledge. These types of bookstores are few and far between, and I hope to be back one day soon.

Okay selection, surly employees. Only way to access upper floors is by taking a janky old elevator that someone has to operate. Not in a hurry to go back.

I am still in shock by the experience I had today in this wonderful historic book store I have always admired and counted on for its integrity. Today I picked up a small handbook style book that was clearly brand new sitting on top of a pile of books on one of the tables (The Constitution and Amendments in a consolidated contemporary format). I saw on the back a small sticker with a US price of 9.95 and a Canada price as well.

All of a sudden an employee came up, she took the book from me stating she had noticed others looking at it today and that it wasn't priced. Before I could speak she went to her computer, came back to me with the book stating it was $45. Noting I never asked for her help or inquired about a price, I turned the book over and showed her the sticker.

She stated that she "hadn't seen that, " then took the book, took the sticker off and stated "well maybe at one time it was that price". and walked away. I was in shock with how she handled what apparently was some sort of misunderstanding on the their part. This was not an antique book with a questionable historical price tag. It was a current price tag!

I was even surprised to see it myself. My husband and I left immediately, strictly based on the employee's handling of what seemed to be a credibility issue. So mismanaged and shocking.

No place like it. A New York institution. Old books, maps and art and an incredibly talented book restoration artist! So impressive.

This old bookstore will surely fascinate even those who are not lovers of reading. You can find well maintained antique books for sale. If you need to give a gift to a bookworm, this is the place to be! There is a floor also dedicated to newer books, divided by category. Definitely worth a visit!

Most tourist or for that matter, humans talk about Strand Bookstore! I say FORGET ABOUT IT!-- a marketing gimmick. If you are true human, curiosity and learning being key aspects of being human, look no more! ARGOSY Book Store is the place to check out! Knowledge is free, rest is up to you!

Amazing and authentic place! People are fantastic, staff is great Stop by if you can!

Wonderful time here. Bought a print and a paperback and had to stop myself from buying more. Great selection; other stores have a few weird or fun finds, Argosy's entire stock is one exceptional find after another.

Amazing and impressive collections of ancient, rare, and mint condition prints in the second floor. The staffs are friendly and very patient with any inquiries or questions.

This bookstore takes you through a portal into a separate dimension. While browsing the beautiful selection of well-maintained vintage books, maps, manuscripts and other goods, it's easy to forget you're in the middle of the concrete jungle of NYC. Traffic and people outside are nearly inaudible and the bookstore inside is very quiet as well, with usually not too many people visiting at once.

I spent an hour or two in the basement by myself looking at the vast collection of books covering nearly every genre you could think of. I also experienced a manually operated elevator for the first time here. Plan to spend at least an hour here! Even if you're not a big on books, it's worth a visit. The bookstore is truly one of a kind.

My new favorite book store! The organization isn't perfect, but that just adds to the experience for me. If you're looking for something specific, go ask someone at the front for help, trying to find it on your own is a lost cause. But if you're just looking to get lost in the stacks, this is your spot! FANTASTIC collection!

Very neat place to check out. You could spend hours here. Relatively organized and friendly, helpful staff. Will definitely go back!

One of my favorite places in New York City, I used to visit monthly when I worked a few blocks away and plan a stop whenever I'm in the city now. I've purchased a number of antiquarian books, autographs, and a map or two during my visits. Getting to the upper floors can require some patience until someone is available but it's worthwhile to see some of the finds up there.

I treasure an original Bill Gallo sketch I purchased from the autograph collection. The only challenge will be deciding how big a bag of book purchases you want to drag on the subway.

One of the great treasures here in New York City. I have been going here for many ages. It is a great place to visit and look at books and reading collections. I have bought items I have been looking for. Especially unique books that are hard to find. They do offer enough to consider. Even outside there are books that might only be $1 to start with (I both several of those).

Then you can go inside and consider various options. Even as you go upstairs there are more items to consider. Including first editions of special work. Other items include old maps (I bought one from the 1700's), art work and prints. It is all here. Go inside and learn what is available today or in the future. I am already on the email address to receive new updates and information. I do want to go back, when the time allows us, to consider new work to read, explore, and keep.

Staff is following all safety procedures in COVID-19 era. Bookstore felt more like these books were meant for decoration than use. Not my style, but staff were pleasant.

Argosy is a Book Lovers Paradise! I started my shopping by checking out the books in the front store book bins. I picked up few hardcovers Bio, 's. Then I entered the store and immediately I knew I was going to find a few gems. Argosy has Books, Prints and Rare books. The Staff is extremely helpful the store is very clean and organized. The kind of Bookstore, that makes you love books.

I spent a little over $125. Dollars. But bought books I've been looking for so the prices are Great. The entire store has a Style of its own. A very Tranquil browsing atmosphere, just right for book buying. The store is Unbelievable. I'll be going back in a few weeks. In Argosy I have found my Shangri La. Definitely recommend this Bookstore. The owners truly love what they do because the bookstore reflects it. Totally Sterling.

In our first trip to New York City in the 1970s, we visited two major bookstores. The first was Gotham Book Mart, where we loaded up on Edward Gorey items. The second was Argosy. We were young at the time, and maybe not dressed to Midtown standards. The store clerk there walked three feet behind us every minute. After we walked out the clerk probably thought, "Well, we really showed them." In 1990 we moved to New York and, in the ensuing years, have never gone back. Sometimes people need to think about the impression they have made.

Super awesome bookstore! A little cramped, but the staff at the register was super helpful and friendly. The prices for the books are good considering this place is located in New York City, being a shopper and supporter of this shop for many years I value the respect I get from the amazing people here!

This bookstore has some real gems! I try to go for the less accessible stuff that ya cant get from the library or on Amazon. I search for the books you'd browse and hope to get lucky on eBay for. I asked the librarian if they had any 'salacious books on courtesans, ' and she said there was no section for that. (understandably so, because who has that specific a section?) Anyways, I browsed for an hour.

And even my friend who was dragging her feet to do stuff with me today, perked up a bit and found herself lost in all the options. I came up on some rare finds here- a version of the kama sutra that really explains the cultural relevance/thinking behind many poses, a book that supposedly portrayed the lives of 8 difference ostentatious people from the Middle Ages, and a book on some famous French lovers in history, and a salacious book on what royalty & nobility [throughout the age of European grandeur] was really like in bed (from written accounts and testaments from their lovers). I'll be honest- expect to pay around $20 a book, because that's the price one pays for such rarities. Definitely a $$ or $$$ store.

I can't say enough about this amazing bookstore. My dad is an architect and I was looking for a vintage book he'd been talking about for years. Not only was Argosy able to help me track down the architecture book, but they were so nice about it. The price was not cheap, but very reasonable for the value of the book. They were helpful and pleasant the entire process. They also have baseball memorabilia and historical books and documents. It's like a museum in there. Super awesome. Recommended!

Nice things but I was treated horribly in this business today. My husband and I buy and sell vintage historical documents and baseball antiquities. The lady with the glasses 1st told me they didn't have anything I would be intrested in then when I asked for prices on Christy Mathewson and Thomas Jefferson she behaved as though she were in a hurry and told me I should have made an appointment.

She was very rude and made it clear she did not want my business. When she let me up on the floor with the historical autographs she took a phone call and said, in my hearing that she was "babysitting a customer." Told me at least twice she was busy and I should not have come on a Saturday or I should have made an appointment. I felt awful for taking up her time and humiliated.

Courteous, knowledgeable staff. Remarkable array of collectibles. Many affordable items at arm's reach, along with the big-buck rarities. Map room (2nd floor) has thousands of loose maps organized by region. Some the framed ones are museum-worthy. Don't miss the funky elevator ride. Oh, and the outdoor table? $3 poetry.

This place is the creme de la creme of vintage/used bookstores in the city. It's been in the same family for generations, never is overcrowded, and they have extremely hard-to-find books in almost every subject. Also check out their vintage book illustrations and maps! Tip: Do not overlook the basement floor (when you walk to the back of the first floor, go down the stairs by the office).

There are so many more discounted books down there. I have spent many hours perusing those stacks and have walked away with some personal gems. I am also convinced that the basement floor is haunted (something about the air conditioning down there just makes it feel ghostly), but that is also part of the fun for me. The only downside is that they are only open weekdays during the summer, so you should sneak away during lunch or a summer Friday. The weekday open times add to the quiet, non-touristy feeling, which is hard to find in this city.

A wonderful used bookstore with incredible depth of subjects and selections. Plan for a longer visit, you will want to spend time enjoying this multiple floor shop.

Absolutely beautiful book store with a first editions section. I have only been in here once and was rushed off because my kids were hungry. I have been meaning to come back and dive into the shelves. Soon, very soon!

Argosy book store is a small book store, but has 2 floors. You can find many selections of old books, which have some great value, as well some newer books. This store is really for the book lover who needs some books for their collection and you can find almost anything on history here. The employees are of great help and they give you any kind of advice. Prices are fair here, depending on your needs.

This is my favorite bookstore in the city with a diverse and wide selection of rare manuscripts, autographs, used books, photographs, and maps. It is much more than a bookstore! The owners and staff are quite knowledgeable and it's a great place to find a unique gift. Definitely stop by!

This is a beautiful bookstore. I would come here not so much to peruse (though the ambient is nice if you chose to do so) but to look for a specific and hard to find book. This place is known for that. I love the decore, thick luscious shelves, gorgeous low hanging green glowing lamps and the wall and ceiling eye candy. If you don't see a book you're looking for on the stacks, be sure to ask, much of their inventory is not on display

Wonderful ambience. I hope this place never closes. It is a bit musty. Someone was carefully taking a sticker off of what must have been a new acquisition, so you know they really care about what they're selling.

I used to past Argosy all the time because they had no technology books. But I also like looking at old maps and I saw a few on a discount table in front so I went in to see more. They specialize in old and rare books, including maps and lithographs and a selection of old autographs books and prints. They have art, religion, philosophy, psychology, occult and more at reasonable prices since many of the books are used so you could find a few gems you never know. But keep in mind that the collectables and rare books or autograph books are at higher prices depending on market value.